Holy Week 2026 Photo Gallery: Inside Flanders & Roubaix

The 2026 Spring Classics, often referred to as "Holy Week" in cycling, were vividly captured by photographer John Thomson, who documented key moments from the iconic races of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Thomson’s photo gallery offers an intimate glimpse beyond the televised coverage, showcasing decisive attacks, candid fan interactions, and the atmospheric nuances that define these legendary events. His journey also included a dramatic personal episode in Belgium, where he recovered his stolen camera equipment, adding a layer of adventure to his coverage of the 110th Tour of Flanders, the 114th Scheldprijs, and the 123rd Paris-Roubaix. Tadej Pogačar emerged as a standout figure, securing his third Tour of Flanders victory amid challenging conditions, including rain on the Oude Kwaremont. The gallery highlights the performances of other notable riders such as Mathieu van der Poel, who achieved seven consecutive podiums at Flanders, and Mads Pedersen, who made a strong comeback with top-ten finishes in both Flanders and Paris-Roubaix following an early-season crash. The women’s races also featured prominently, with Demi Vollering winning the Tour of Flanders Women and Puck Pieterse placing third, underscoring the growing prominence of women’s cycling in these classic events. Thomson’s collection goes beyond race action to include cultural and historical references, blending vintage magazine scans, fine art, and local Belgian and French scenes. The photos capture the festive atmosphere among fans, the unique character of the cobbled climbs, and the rich heritage of the sport, with nods to past champions like Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil. The gallery also documents the rising stars in junior and under-23 categories, reflecting the depth and future promise of classic racing. The emotional resonance of the races is palpable, particularly in moments like Wout van Aert’s dedication of his Paris-Roubaix win to late rider Michael Goolaerts, which moved many spectators. Thomson’s work not only celebrates the athletic achievements but also the human stories and traditions that make the Spring Classics a defining chapter in the cycling calendar. His ongoing series promises further insights and evocative imagery from this unforgettable week in the heart of European cycling.